Finale from Symphony No. 1 in D "Titan"

From Wind Repertory Project
Gustav Mahler

Gustav Mahler (trans. George Schneider)


N.B. Title varies


General Info

Year: 1888 / 2015
Duration: c. 10:20
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Ayotte Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $153.99


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Antiphonal Trumpet I-II-III-IV
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Antiphonal Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Antiphonal Trombone I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani I-II
Percussion (5 players), including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbal
  • Glockenspiel
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

While Mahler’s First Symphony is relatively early in his exploration of the genre, it displays many characteristics typical of his overall style. There is a constant melodic development similar to Wagner’s infinite melody, a texture in which cadences are relatively few in number, and most climactic moments are really starting points for the next installment of melodic transformation. The harmonic vocabulary is tonal but quite chromatic, alternating from brighter major harmonies to darker minor chords. Further, the finale features Mahler’s stout ability to write contrapuntally; he often used multiple melodic ideas simultaneously, in a manner recalling the theme groups used over a century earlier by Mozart. Finally, there is an approach to orchestral writing that requires the very best playing of any ensemble. Professional musicians consider Mahler’s nine symphonies to be among the best “players’ works” in the orchestral repertoire -- they represent challenges in terms of technique, stamina, and musicality.

This is indeed very true of the last movement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1. This transcription places the string parts in much louder and arguably less warm wind instruments, and that (combined with Mahler’s knowledge of orchestration based upon his many years’ experience as a conductor) means that every player in the ensemble faces quite the challenge.

- Program Note from Kenyon College Symphonic Wind Ensemble concert program, 16 April 2023


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Kenyon College (Gambier, Ohio) Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Dane Heuchemer, conductor) - 16 April 2023


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources